at an abstract level

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at an abstract level" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing concepts, theories, or ideas that are not tied to specific instances or practical applications, focusing instead on general principles or high-level thinking. Example: "At an abstract level, the theory suggests that all human behavior is driven by underlying psychological needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

It differs from traditional search-based techniques in ATP not least with respect to its level of abstraction: the proof of a theorem is planned at an abstract level and an outline of the proof is found.

Artificial Intelligence

At an abstract level, all tactics are about space.

The Guardian - Sport

At an abstract level, people seem to be what philosophers call incompatibilists: those who believe free will is incompatible with determinism.

The New York Times - Science

There's a lot of stuff like this which is either explicit or implied in sects of all kinds, and at an abstract level we all know it.

The New York Times

As early as L'Après-midi d'un faune (1876; "The Afternoon of a Faun"; Eng. trans. L'Après-midi d'un faune; later interpreted musically by Claude Debussy), he concentrated on multiplicity of meaning: the poem is simultaneously the dream evocation of the faun's erotic desires and a meditation upon the creative impulse at an abstract level.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Z, B and RAISE are well known formal notations used at an abstract level of specification.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Relations of form and function can operate at an extremely abstract level: "A building, whose doors and windows were exact squares, would hurt the eye by that very proportion: as ill adapted to the figure of a human creature, for whose service the fabric was intended" (EPM, 212 13).

SEP

For the internal validity of this experiment, it is often difficult to represent a defect at a high abstract level since a code defect may refer to detailed contents.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

In such a functional architecture, feedback signals from regions with larger receptive fields would code at a more abstract level and at a coarser spatial scale.

Current Biology

"You're dealing at an incredibly abstract level with big philosophical questions: What is a classic?

The New York Times

Taking these properties into account, our data suggest that whenever more fine-grained decisions have to be made at an increasingly abstract level, bilateral activation of the superior temporal gyri is needed.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at an abstract level" to introduce discussions of theoretical frameworks or general principles before diving into specifics. This sets the stage for a broader understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "at an abstract level" too frequently, as it can make your writing seem vague and disconnected from real-world applications. Balance abstract discussions with concrete examples and practical implications to keep your audience engaged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at an abstract level" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the level of abstraction being discussed. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable, often found when discussing concepts or theories.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at an abstract level" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to introduce general concepts or theoretical frameworks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for discussing ideas without immediately focusing on specific details. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, this phrase sets the stage for broader understanding and analysis. When using "at an abstract level", balance the discussion with concrete examples to avoid vagueness and maintain audience engagement. Alternative phrases like "conceptually" or "theoretically" offer similar meanings. Remember to consider your audience and context to determine the most appropriate level of abstraction in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a conceptual level

Highlights the conceptual understanding of a topic, rather than practical skills.

in principle

Emphasizes the general rule or idea, without considering specific details.

theoretically

Deals with the theory behind something, as opposed to practical application.

from a high-level perspective

Indicates an overview, without delving into minute details.

conceptually

Focuses on the idea or concept itself, rather than the specific implementation.

in a generalized sense

Implies a broad, non-specific understanding or application.

in broad strokes

Describes something quickly and simply without detail.

using broad strokes

Describes something quickly and simply without detail.

as a general rule

Presents something as a common or typical case, but accepts the fact that there may be specific variations.

in a non-specific manner

Describes the act of being intentionally vague and unquantifiable.

FAQs

How can I use "at an abstract level" in a sentence?

You can use "at an abstract level" to introduce a general concept before providing specific details. For instance, "At an abstract level, the theory suggests that all organisms strive for survival."

What are some alternatives to "at an abstract level"?

Alternatives include "conceptually", "theoretically", or "on a conceptual level", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "at an abstract level" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "at an abstract level" when you want to discuss ideas or theories in a general way without focusing on specific examples or practical applications. This helps in establishing a foundational understanding.

What is the difference between "at an abstract level" and "in practice"?

"At an abstract level" refers to theoretical considerations, while "in practice" refers to how something is actually implemented or experienced. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum, with one focusing on concepts and the other on real-world application.